Fish Oil For Depression May Be Just What The Doctor Orders

Whether an occasional time of feeling blue, sadness that lingers longer than it ought, or postpartum depression, we have all had to deal with despondency and discouragement at different levels throughout our lives. Scientists have discovered that using fish oil for depression has had very positive results.

Studies are consistently showing a link between deficiencies in omega3 fatty acids in the body and depression. Our typical western diet is partly to blame for this, and we need to be more pro-active in changing to a healthier eating pattern by adding cold-water fatty fish and fish oil dietary supplements to our menus.

Many physicians are advocating that their patients take fish oil, which is rich in the omega3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, as an add-on therapy to diminish the symptoms of depression. Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, who studies fish nutritional benefits at the National Institute of Health, states that people who include this oil in their diet on a regular basis, whether by eating fish or by taking it in dietary capsule form, are less apt to have problems with depression. His explanation of this outcome is because omega3 fatty acids elevate the levels of the two chemicals in the brain, serotonin and dopamine, which play a vital role in depression. Other researchers have concluded that patients already suffering from depression showed marked improvement after increasing their intake of these essential fatty acids.

In the book, What to Expect When You are Expecting, author Heidi Murkoff and others share that DHA, the omega3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in fish oil, has been a major factor in reducing mood swings in pregnant women as well as decreasing the risk of postpartum depression. Also, in one Canadian research study of menopausal women who took 1,000 mg of omega3 fish oil supplements daily for eight weeks found that their moderate depression symptoms were decreased. Also they discovered their hot flashes were reduced by fifty percent. The lead researcher in this study at Laval University in Quebec determined that the omega3s boost the brain's serotonin levels, therefore easing the depression.

Stress, anxiety, and depression often go hand in hand. When you are continually causing stress hormones to be produced, important nutrients are prevented from getting to where they are needed since all will be guided to the parts of the body that govern your fight-or-flight response. This can leave you physically and emotionally exhausted.

Along with taking fish oil for depression and eating a well balanced diet, here are a few other anxiety-crushing ideas to try. Turn off the TV and computer and get adequate sleep. It isn't always possible, but try to spend some time with people with a positive outlook. Go for a brisk walk. Exercise is an excellent counter-attack on tension by filling your body with endorphins that have a feel-good quality.

As you take fish oil for depression you can have the assurance that you are providing your body with the much needed omega3 fatty acids for optimum brain health. Everyone can benefit from a happy out look on life, especially when they are having a down day. Omega 3 in fish oil may just be what is needed to help out the joy back into your day.

For more information about omega 3 and their role in fish oil for depression check out my web site listed below.

Elizabeth Ruby is passionate about good health and is a firm believer in taking quality nutritional supplements. She has extensively researched Omega 3 fatty acids for optimal health. Check out her web site at http://www.omega-3-health.com/ to find out how she keeps her mind and body young and active, functioning fully with the help of Omega 3 Fish Oil.